Why Serve in Berwyn

Located just 10 miles west of Chicago, the City of Berwyn blends the strength of a close-knit community with the accessibility of a major metropolitan area. Known as the “City of Homes,” Berwyn features historic bungalows and cottages along tree-lined streets, giving the city a neighborhood feel rooted in pride, tradition, and connection.

Berwyn is a diverse, blue-collar community that values public safety, collaboration, and respect. Residents actively engage with their neighborhoods, creating strong partnerships between the community and the Berwyn Police Department. Although suburban, Berwyn’s location along historic Route 66 offers a unique character and vibrant local culture.

Despite its compact size—just under four square miles—Berwyn is the most densely populated city in Illinois, providing officers with a dynamic policing environment and meaningful opportunities to make an impact. The city’s active business corridors, including Roosevelt Road and Cermak Road, support a thriving local economy, while the Depot District offers dining, entertainment, and major medical providers, including Loyola Hospital.

Berwyn is highly accessible, with two nearby highways, three Metra train stations, multiple bus routes, and close proximity to CTA service. The City is home to strong neighborhood schools, dual-language programs, numerous parks, and abundant green spaces. Berwyn is committed to families, offering preschool and full-day kindergarten to all children.

From block parties and neighborhood events to citywide celebrations such as the Route 66 Car Show and Oktoberfest, Berwyn is a place where people know one another and take pride in their city. Berwyn and its surrounding communities offer an exceptional quality of life—making it not only a great place to serve, but a great place to call home.

https://www.berwyn-il.gov/community-guide/about-berwyn

The Berwyn Police Department is an organization comprised of people with integrity, committed to providing quality police service to the community in an honest, fair, professional and courteous manner. Recognizing the changing and diverse needs of the community, the Berwyn Police Department promotes and encourages a policy of professional and individual excellence which is delivered and enhanced by continuing education and training. Our professionalism will forge a partnership with the community, which is based upon effective communication, confidence, mutual trust and a commitment to improve and maintain the quality of life and to provide for the safety and welfare of our citizens. This mission is accomplished through our experienced and knowledgeable employees, who represent our most important resource.

The Berwyn Police Department offers great opportunities for specialization and career development for its 118 sworn officers. Specialty Assignments include:

• Uniformed Patrol Division
• Criminal Investigations Unit
• Youth Investigations Unit
• Tactical Unit
• Traffic Enforcement Unit
• Drug Recognition Expert (DRE)
• Accident Crash Reconstruction
• Crime Scene Evidence Technicians
• Field Training Officers (FTO)
• NIPAS EST (SWAT)
• Mobile Field Force
• School Resource Officers (SRO)
• Training Division
• Community Relations & Policing
• WESTAF Task Force
• USPIS Task Force
• FBI Task Force
• DEA Task Force
• HIDTA Task Force
• HSI Task Force
• WEDGE Task Force
• K9 Officers
• Range Officers
• Honor Guard

Responsible for the protection of life and property and the preservation of order in the City of Berwyn through enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work normally consists of pro-active patrol responding to calls for service, traffic regulation and investigative duties in a designated area of the city. May also be assigned to specialized units responsible for follow-up investigations, self-initiated criminal investigations, traffic enforcement and other support or staff services. Performs other duties as assigned. Examples of duties conduct preliminary and follow-up investigations as assigned requested directly by a citizen or self-initiated. Patrol a designated area by mechanical or physical conveyance to protect life and property; preserve order; prevent and discover criminal acts; and enforce appropriate federal, state and local law through arrests, citations or other means. Communicate as appropriate through electronic, oral or written means, factual information ascertained through investigation, observation or other sources. Cooperate in the adjudication of criminal, traffic or civil cases by providing testimony or evidence at court proceedings, inquests, depositions or other judicial processes. Seek and develop public contacts and confidential sources with respect to places and persons suspected of criminal activity. Maintain good interpersonal and working relations with officers and employees of the department and other agencies. Give presentations and lectures to the public on various facets of police service, public safety education and community programs. Communicate information of criminal activity or problems to appropriate divisions, sections or supervisors of the police department and other appropriate agencies. Communicate information of criminal activity or problems to appropriate divisions, sections or supervisors of the police department and other appropriate agencies. Maintain broad knowledge of federal, state and local laws and the application of enforcement principles. Other duties may be assigned.

Berwyn Police Department - Police Officer has 2 vacancies.

The deadline to test for the next hiring cycle is April 12, 2026.

Entry Level Probationary Officer - $81,939.34

* After 1st year of probation, base pay is $95,772.43

After Probationary period complete, base pay is $112,175.03

(Top salary $131,397.21 for 2026)

Excellent Benefits and Retirement Package:

• Vacation, Holiday Pay, Floating Holiday Time Off, Personal paid days, Buy Back of Benefit Time
• 5/2, 5/3 work schedule
• 8 hour work shift
• Robust wellness room.
• $1,200 annual uniform allowance
• Specialty Pay for the following assignments: Detectives, Warrant/Court Officer, Training Manager, Traffic Officer, Traffic Crash Investigator, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), Community Policing Officer, School Resource Officer, Certified Evidence Technician, and Crime Scene Investigator
• College Education Stipends (paid annually)
  • Associate’s Degree $1,000
  • Bachelor’s Degree $1,500
  • Master’s Degree $2,000
• Tuition Reimbursement Available
• Paid Court Time
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Health, Dental, optical and Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• VEBA Plan (Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association)

Benefits for City of Berwyn Employees:

https://www.berwyn-il.gov/government/departmental-directory/human-resources

IMPA Collective Bargaining Agreement  1/1/23 to 12/31/30:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:39993337-2c03-418e-b8a9-48330f31983e